Thomson

It’s a heck of a way to run a pre-election campaign. On the eve of an expected election, politicians usually spend their time playing up good news, downplaying the bad, shaking hands and kissing babies.

Dickenson can’t wait to match wits with Chris Jones

Stamps offensive co-ordinator will be going against club’s former defensive co-ordinator

Toronto Argonauts assistant head coach/defensive co-ordinator/assistant general manager Chris Jones will be facing his old team in the Grey Cup.

Photograph by: Darren Calabrese
, National Post

Familiarity, in this case, breeds nothing but respect.

The Calgary Stampeders know a Chris Jones defence when they see one, as the latter spent four seasons in Calgary prior to bolting for the east at the end of last year. So when the Stamps and Toronto Argonauts meet up in the 100th Grey Cup on Sunday, there will be no mistaking that specific brand.

“He’s done a great job against us and we have to definitely try to come up with some new stuff because he defended us well both times we’ve played them,” offered Calgary Stampeders’ offensive co-ordinator Dave Dickenson. “B.C. gave us a lot of looks and problems, but I think Chris has as many looks or more than anybody else. We have to focus on what we do best — I’m not sure what that is yet because we’re still watching film — but we’re basically trying to come up with plays that we feel will work and whatever look they give us just try to adjust.”

Dickenson, in fact, is relishing the opportunity to match wits with Jones, though the game plan is still in its infancy.

“I personally feel offensively they have a guy that we know can put points on the board, so it’s one of those things that you play aggressive, but you hope to play with the lead,” Dickenson explained. “I think it’s important for us. If we fall behind, it allows their defence to do more things and it’ll be a long day for us. We know their players, they know us. I think sometimes that can be good and bad. We know their strengths and weaknesses but they know you know that so they’re going to do different things. It’s, like always, a chess match. I do think it’s a game you have to make some sideline adjustments on.”

Some observers have intimated that the Argos’ defence plays on the fine line between what’s acceptable and not though a former pupil of Jones’, Brandon Smith, doesn’t believe that’s his style.

“No, no, he never told us to go out there and play dirty, nothing like that,” he pointed out. “He just wanted us to go out and play physical. That’s just his mentality. But as far as playing dirty, no, I don’t think that’s his ultimate goal.”

“There’s the saying where they never catch the first late hit, I guess,” Dickenson mused. “We got goaded into some bad penalties the last game we played them and that’s what I said about discipline. Hopefully the refs see those types of plays and we just have to focus on what we’re doing and not retaliate and get ourselves in bad situations.”

Jon Cornish has been a target of some illicit treatment by the Argos’ defence, as both Marcus Ball and Brandon Isaac were fined by the league following the Aug. 18 Toronto 22-14 win in Calgary for “dangerous and unnecessary illegal hits away from the play.” And he expects to be on their radar again.

“In fact, I’m looking forward to it,” smiled the Stamps’ running back and West Division MVP. “I’ve definitely matured as a player since that point and for me, I couldn’t imagine a better series of events in terms of playing Edmonton and playing Sask. and playing B.C. and finally getting Toronto. Toronto’s a great team, lots of great players and Ricky Ray is having a season to remember. But I think for us it’s a unique opportunity to chase our dreams.

“Chris Jones … he’s sort of had our number earlier in the year. He understands who we are; he’s been around us for a long time, but I think the real difference now is that he hasn’t played against THIS team. I would say we’re a fundamentally different Stampeder team than the one he was around.”

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